|
NATSICC is pleased to announce the launch of our new Palliative Care Packages project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Established to address a strong need, this project provides Packages to any Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person (regardless of any or no religious beliefs) in the end stages of their life.
The health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is trailing behind the rest of Australia and our people are more often in hospital. It is expected that the number of First Nations people aged over 60 will double in the next 10 years, and we want to be able to support and assist our elders.
Each pack consists of a handmade blanket (either crocheted, knitted or sewn), a notebook to encourage people to draw, write letters and record their stories, an Aboriginal shawl, beanie and a mask. We are hoping to add a canvas and paints for people to paint their stories and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music to future packages.
“The packs are very important to our people because many of our people live off Country and away from family. Having one of these Packs gives them a sense of belonging, of being cared for by their own people and that they are part of the wider Aboriginal community.” says Sally FitzGerald – the ACT Councillor on NATSICC and the driving force behind the project.
|
